tariffs – Page 22 – mackaycartoons

Saturday December 14, 2024

December 13, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday December 14, 2024

Good Cop, Bad Cop: Ford’s Bluff Is a Risky, Yet Savvy Strategy Against Trump

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Doug Ford’s suggestion to halt Canadian energy exports to the U.S. may sound extreme, but it’s a calculated gambit in the face of Donald Trump’s looming threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. While Ford’s rhetoric is risky, it mirrors Trump’s own blustery style and could serve as a critical counterweight to the often-dismissed diplomacy of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trump, no stranger to hardline populism, has consistently shown disdain for Trudeau and his liberal-leaning strategies. Whether dismissing Canada’s contributions or falsely claiming the U.S. “subsidizes” its northern neighbor to the tune of $100 billion annually, Trump’s language reflects a deeply transactional worldview. He values strength and posturing, traits Ford channels in his bold threat to cut off power exports.

News: Ontario prepared to stop exporting electricity to U.S. if Trump follows through on tariffs, Ford says

May 31, 2023

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Quebec’s François Legault, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Andrew Furey all dismissed Ford’s proposal. They argued for diplomacy, emphasizing Canada’s energy partnerships and economic interdependence with the U.S. Their reasoning is sound; energy retaliation could harm Canadian jobs and escalate a trade war. Yet, Trump’s track record suggests that polite diplomacy alone may not deter him. This is where Ford’s brinkmanship could have value.

By threatening to cut energy exports—an essential lifeline for U.S. states like Michigan and New York—Ford adopts Trump’s own playbook. This isn’t just about retaliating; it’s about speaking a language Trump understands. As a right-leaning populist, Ford’s rhetoric may resonate with Trump, forcing him to consider the domestic backlash of losing Canadian electricity and oil. Such a tactic, even as a bluff, plays into Trump’s fixation on strength and his aversion to being publicly outmaneuvered.

News: Trump says it’s ‘fine’ after Ford threat to cut energy to border states

October 17, 2024

Critics argue Ford’s approach is reckless. Indeed, cutting off energy exports would hurt both nations, deepening economic strain on families and businesses. However, Ford has explicitly framed this as a “last resort,” ensuring it remains a theoretical deterrent rather than an immediate policy. It also positions him as a stronger voice than Trudeau in the face of Trump’s economic warfare.

As one reader in The Toronto Star commented, “You never appease a bully—not ever.” This encapsulates why Ford’s stance, despite its risks, might be the right counterweight to Trump’s aggression. Appeasement risks emboldening Trump, who thrives on dominating perceived weaker opponents. A hardline response, particularly from someone who shares Trump’s populist bent, might force the U.S. president to reconsider his tactics.

News: Key premiers dismiss Doug Ford’s threat to stop Donald Trump’s tariffs by cutting off energy to Americans

June 15, 2018

Ford’s strategy is not without precedent. Historically, trade disputes have often involved brinkmanship, with both sides staking out extreme positions before arriving at a negotiated compromise. Ford’s rhetoric, as dramatic as it may be, serves as a necessary counterbalance to Trump’s. While premiers like Smith and Legault are right to emphasize stability and diplomacy, Ford’s hardline approach ensures Canada has a strong bargaining chip in negotiations.

In the end, a unified strategy blending Ford’s toughness with Trudeau’s diplomacy could prove most effective. The “good cop, bad cop” approach—combining Ford’s threat of energy export cuts with a more measured federal response—might give Trump pause without pushing relations to the breaking point.

For now, Ford’s bluff mirrors Trump’s style and sends a clear message: Canada won’t be a passive player in this economic showdown. Whether Trump respects Canada’s energy leverage or escalates the conflict remains to be seen, but Ford’s strategy ensures Canada’s voice isn’t lost in the din of U.S. domestic politics.

If you’ve been following Young Doug Ford, you’ll know it’s a mix of satire, nostalgia, and current events seen through the lens of 1970s southern Ontario. The series is rooted in hazy childhood memories, like yo-yo salesmen dazzling kids on the playground—a phenomenon that feels more surreal the longer I think about it. As I drew this edition, I put out a call on Facebook to confirm I wasn’t imagining these yo-yo hustlers, and I was relived to find confirmation in the responses.

Some shared vivid memories of nuns or principals storming out to shoo away the intruders. Others recounted yo-yo demonstrations in school auditoriums or parks, where tricks like Walking the Dog or Rocking the Baby sparked brief playground crazes. One person even remembered a motivational speaker in the 21st century bringing yo-yos back for a fleeting moment of glory. And then there was the inevitable Simpsons comparison—a testament to how these episodes straddle nostalgia and absurdity.

This edition of Young Doug Ford draws directly from these memories, blending them with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s threat to cut electricity exports if Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods go through. It’s a wild strategy—half bluff, half bold move—that echoes Trump’s own blustering style. The strip imagines Young Doug confronting a yo-yo-slinging Trump in a schoolyard showdown, warning him to pack up and leave or risk losing his power (quite literally).

It’s a playful take, but it speaks to how these childhood scenes of power and defiance echo in the adult world. Were you a yo-yo kid? Do you think Ford’s energy threat is clever brinkmanship or a risky gamble? And seriously, do you remember yo-yo salesmen invading your schoolyard? Drop me a line—I’d love to know how far this shared memory goes.

Please subscribe to my SubStack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday, (or Saturday depending on my time) as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks. Please Enjoy this making-of clip of the December 14, 2024 Editorial Cartoon. Sound up, please!

– The Graeme Gallery

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Tuesday December 3, 2024

December 3, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 3, 2024

A Nation Adrift – Canada’s Political Disarray in a Time of Crisis

November 22, 2024

Canada finds itself at a precarious moment, politically adrift and dangerously exposed to external pressures. The federal Liberal government, led by an increasingly unpopular Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, struggles to project strength as it grapples with Donald Trump’s return to power and his threats of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Although Trudeau wisely acted quickly by engaging directly with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, this move highlights the reactive posture Canada has adopted rather than one of proactive leadership.

The Trudeau government’s minority status, coupled with its eroding popularity, has emboldened opposition leaders like Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, who seem more interested in exploiting the prime minister’s vulnerabilities than contributing meaningfully to a unified strategy.

News: Rattled by Trump’s tariff threat, Canada’s leaders point fingers at each other

October 17, 2024

While partisan sniping weakens the federal response, the provinces further undermine national cohesion with self-serving actions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, for instance, launched a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign in the U.S., ostensibly to highlight Ontario’s economic ties to America. On the surface, the campaign is a smart move, but it underscores the troubling lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments. Ford’s strategy, while beneficial for Ontario, raises questions about whether provincial leaders are more interested in positioning themselves for political gain than supporting a unified national approach. Despite public statements endorsing a “Team Canada” effort, the premiers’ actions suggest that intergovernmental communication is faltering.

This disarray leaves Canada alarmingly vulnerable to Trump’s erratic policymaking. Beyond the tariff threats, Trump’s rhetoric about NATO spending will likely bring Canada’s underwhelming defence contributions under scrutiny, further straining the bilateral relationship. With provinces acting independently and federal leadership appearing reactive and fractured, Canada’s bargaining position with the U.S. grows increasingly weak.

Analysis: The takeaway from Trudeau’s trip to Mar-a-Lago: For Trump, fentanyl is priority No. 1

June 13, 2018

This moment is a test of Canada’s political maturity, but the country’s leaders appear to be failing. Partisan squabbles, short-term thinking, and provincial self-interest are overshadowing the greater need for national unity and strategic vision. Canada’s political class must recognize the stakes and rise above narrow allegiances to defend the country’s interests. Otherwise, Canada risks being outmaneuvered on the global stage, with the consequences borne by its citizens. This is not Canada’s finest hour, and it shows.

I’m back from a week off that was filled with all the hallmarks of an American Thanksgiving: football, Black Friday consumerism, and family debates over pumpkin pie recipes. This year, my Thanksgiving with the in-laws included a front-row seat (or at least a couch seat) to the local media’s coverage of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s trip to Mar-a-Lago. Let’s just say, when the U.S. media tries to distill Canadian politics into a 30-second soundbite, it’s a fascinating spectacle.

Despite my best attempts to offer insights, no one was interested in dissecting Trudeau’s maneuvering or the chaos within Canadian political unity. Instead, they were too busy licking their wounds after Ohio State’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the Big Game. Chaos, however, seemed to be the unifying theme—on the football field and in politics.

The lack of coordination within Canada’s so-called “Team Canada” approach to Trump’s 25% tariff threats is painfully evident. Federal and provincial leaders appear more focused on serving their partisan interests than presenting a united front. This discord, ironically, aligns well with the anticipated turbulence of Trump 2.0.

As I play catch-up with the news, I’m struck by how Canada is skating on thin ice—politically and economically. Like a clumsy hockey game colliding with an over-the-top figure-skating routine, the chaos is both absurd and deeply concerning.

Stay tuned for more thoughts as I sift through the news backlog.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Please enjoy this making-of clip:

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 8, 2024

Chrystia Freeland’s Assurance on Canada-U.S. Relations Rings Hollow Amid Trump’s Second Term

November 12, 2016

Canada will be “absolutely fine” under a Trump presidency, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. But with a federal election likely looming and Donald Trump’s familiar, no-holds-barred approach to trade, defence, and immigration back in the White House, this reassurance from Freeland seems more wishful thinking than grounded in reality.

August 28, 2018

Certainly, experience matters. Freeland, who was foreign affairs minister during the last round of NAFTA negotiations, has a track record of navigating turbulent waters with the Trump administration. However, the notion that Canada is prepared for what’s coming lacks specifics. If the 2016 election taught Canada anything, it’s that Trump’s promises to “get tough” on trade and protect “American jobs” are more than rhetoric. Trump has now proposed a 10% tariff on all imports, a move the Canadian Chamber of Commerce warns could cut Canadians’ real income by 1.5%, alongside productivity losses on both sides of the border. And yet, Freeland offers few details about her government’s “plan” to defend Canada’s national interest beyond vague commitments to “keep talking” with former Trump officials like Robert Lighthizer.

Video: ‘Canada will be absolutely fine,’ says Freeland following Trump U.S. election win

October 20, 2016

While Freeland points to Canada’s robust economic ties with the U.S. as “leverage,” this optimistic view underestimates Trump’s protectionist mindset. Yes, nearly $3.6 billion in trade crosses the Canada-U.S. border daily, but Trump’s “America First” policies historically prioritize American industries, not bilateral partnerships. If there’s one lesson from Trump’s first term, it’s that he doesn’t hesitate to use tariffs as a blunt instrument, even against close allies. Canada’s critical manufacturing, steel, and aluminum industries were hit with tariffs in 2018, and a fresh round of import restrictions could be catastrophic.

News: A decade on, the ‘This is fine’ creator wants to put the famous dog to rest

January 11, 2016

Beyond trade, the Deputy Prime Minister’s optimism seems unfounded on the immigration front. Trump’s renewed promises of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants will likely lead to a surge of asylum-seekers heading north. Canada’s border agencies are under-resourced for such an influx, and recent pressures on immigration and refugee systems indicate that handling a potential spike could overwhelm Canada’s ability to process claims. Freeland’s remarks sidestepped this, despite its likely impact on Canadian cities, social services, and resources.

July 12, 2018

Then there’s the potential impact on defence and foreign policy. Trump’s insistence that NATO allies, including Canada, “pay their fair share” could reignite tensions within the alliance. With the U.S. pouring billions into defence, Trump has historically expected Canada to increase its contributions. A major defence expenditure would strain Canada’s budget, especially with high inflation and deficits already stretching public resources. Freeland’s assurances may sound good on paper, but funding an increase in military spending without cutting essential services is a tall order, and Canadians should question whether this is a realistic path forward.

News: We have a plan’ for Trump’s second presidency, Chrystia Freeland says

April 22, 2024

The timing of Freeland’s comments raises even more questions. With a federal election expected within the year, and polls favouring a Conservative government, her reassurances could be more about optics than actionable policy. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, has yet to articulate a clear approach to dealing with Trump’s “America First” policies, and Canadians don’t yet know if a Poilievre government would chart a collaborative or confrontational course. As voters head to the polls, they deserve a choice: a clear stance from both parties on how each would approach the challenge of a volatile American partner. Freeland’s plan is on the table, but it’s crucial for the Conservatives to offer their own vision, ensuring Canadians have a democratic choice on the future of Canada-U.S. relations.

November 17, 2016

As it stands, Canadians are left with more questions than answers. Freeland’s “plan” lacks the specifics needed to reassure the public. Canada should be taking proactive measures now—strengthening trade alliances outside the U.S., investing in border security, and preparing resources for a potential refugee surge. Without clear, decisive actions from either side of the political aisle, Freeland’s assurances feel hollow, and Canadians have every right to feel concerned about what lies ahead under Trump’s second term.

In case you’re scratching your head over the reference in my latest cartoon, I’ve borrowed from KC Green’s classic webcomic meme, “This is fine.” You’ve probably seen it— a cartoon dog sits with a smile, coffee in hand, as the room blazes around him. This image has become a shorthand for coping with disaster, or at least pretending to. Given Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s recent assurances that we have little to worry about with Trump’s return to power, I found this to be a fitting way to convey the gap between reassuring words and the high-stakes reality at our doorstep.

Green created “This is fine” back in 2013 as part of his Gunshow series, and it quickly went viral for its humour and relatability. The dog, later named Question Hound, became a symbol for anyone quietly facing chaos, making it one of the most enduring internet memes of the past decade. Green has mentioned that the comic was a way to channel his own mental health struggles at the time, and while it’s taken on a life of its own, he’s embraced how others relate to it.

As someone who’s had my own work recycled and repurposed—my “4 Waves”cartoon, for example—I get the complications of seeing your creation take on new lives and meanings. So, in the tradition of tipping my hat to the original creators I draw from, I’ve credited Green with “apologies to KC Green” at the bottom of my piece. This is the first time I’ve done a parody of his work, but as with my previous adaptations of classic art like Gillray’s “Plumb-pudding in Danger,” it’s a nod to a timeless image that speaks volumes. In this case, it’s about capturing the surreal feeling of being told, “We’re fine,” while the flames say otherwise. (Sound up for the animated version)

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

(Post Cartoon) Opinion: Justin Trudeau is already getting it wrong on Trump

Thursday October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 17, 2024

Link to the animated clip.

A Trump Tariff Surge Would Be Devastating for Canada

June 1, 2018

With Americans heading to the polls in under three weeks, the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House has Canadians justifiably on edge. His record on tariffs, coupled with renewed threats of sweeping trade barriers, points to an economic catastrophe waiting to unfold for Canada. Trump’s love affair with tariffs—declaring it his “favourite word” and promising levies of up to 20%, with some as high as 200%—signals a dangerous path for Canada’s industries and its broader economic relationship with the U.S.

During Trump’s first term, Canadians felt the impact of his trade policies. Steel and aluminum tariffs imposed under dubious national security pretences strained bilateral relations and cost Canadian exporters dearly. Trump’s obsession with tariffs, despite repeated warnings from economists about inflation and job losses, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of how global trade works.

News: Trump vows to impose tariffs as experts warn of price hikes and angry allies

June 22, 2019

His latest proposals are even more extreme. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has warned that blanket tariffs could spark a global trade war, with Canadian oil, gas, and auto sectors bearing the brunt of the fallout. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce projects a $45 billion hit to Canada’s economy if Trump’s tariff plan materializes—equivalent to a loss of more than $1,100 for every Canadian. Entire industries could be thrown into chaos, with auto exports expected to drop 20% and energy exports shrinking by over 40%

Meanwhile, Trump’s rhetoric dismisses these economic realities, instead clinging to the notion that tariffs will magically bring factories back to U.S. soil. But his record tells a different story. In Springfield, Ohio, factories opened but struggled to find American workers, requiring legal immigrants to fill the gaps. Similarly, higher consumer prices resulted from his tariffs on household goods during his first presidency without spurring the domestic production boom he envisioned.

June 13, 2018

The situation grows even more perilous with the USMCA trade pact—renegotiated by Trump in 2018—up for review in 2026. Trump’s statements suggest he’s gearing up to demand tougher terms, adding more restrictions that could suffocate Canadian industries. Auto manufacturers may continue to pay tariffs to import parts from Mexico rather than adjust to the expensive North American content rules Trump imposed under the USMCA, undermining its intended benefits. Trump’s proposals also show no intention of sparing allies, lumping Canada in with the “enemies” of American industry and threatening tariffs across the board.

If Trump follows through, Canada faces severe challenges. The dairy industry could come under pressure as Trump revisits supply management policies, while Canada’s Digital Services Tax targeting U.S. tech giants may trigger retaliatory action. A reopened USMCA negotiation could unravel key provisions or, worse, lead to its collapse—plunging North American trade into uncertainty and dragging down economies across the continent.

Analysis: Tariffs, trade and tax credits: What the U.S. election could mean for Canada’s economy

November 18, 2021

To be sure, Kamala Harris’s platform isn’t entirely reassuring. Her continuation of Biden’s subsidy-heavy policies would require Canada to compete in funding industries like electric vehicles—a burden Ottawa is struggling to bear. However, Trump’s return would not just pit Canada against the U.S. financially—it could obliterate the framework of cooperation altogether. Trump’s chaotic, unpredictable style, marked by impulsive tariffs and disregard for allies, means Canada would constantly be in damage-control mode, scrambling to react to unilateral decisions that undercut trust and economic stability.

While some Canadians hold out hope that a potential change in Canada’s leadership might soften Trump’s stance, that is a dangerous gamble. His campaign and allies are already preparing policies that could be enforced without congressional oversight, using obscure legal mechanisms like Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Even if Trump’s actions are eventually struck down in court, the uncertainty and disruption would cause long-term harm to industries on both sides of the border.

News: Canadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, poll finds

February 13, 2024

Ultimately, a second Trump presidency would mark a dangerous regression in North American trade. The promised tariffs would harm Canadian exporters, drive up consumer prices in the U.S., and undermine years of economic cooperation. Canada must prepare for the worst—but it’s in the hands of American voters to avoid this path altogether. A vote for Trump is a vote for higher prices, economic isolation, and shattered alliances, with Canada caught in the crossfire. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Canadians need to brace for the impact—but we also hope our neighbours to the south make the right decision. A tariff war would leave both nations poorer, angrier, and less connected. And Canada, despite its strong economic ties, might not be able to withstand the full brunt of a reckless Trump trade policy this time around.

Wednesday August 28, 2024

August 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star, Wednesday August 28, 2024

An animated version of this editorial cartoon has been posted to Pinterest.

The EV Trade War: Resisting China’s Economic and Geopolitical Expansion

Marvelous Maps

China’s aggressive expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) market highlights the complex intersection between economic competition and broader geopolitical concerns. While China’s affordable EVs offer a potential solution to global carbon emissions, this comes with significant trade-offs. Western nations have already ceded much of their manufacturing power to China, resulting in a dependency that now extends to the EV industry. However, China’s disregard for Western labour, safety, and environmental standards, combined with its authoritarian ambitions and environmental contradictions, such as expanding coal-fired plants, raises significant alarms.

News: Trudeau says Canada will slap big tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

November 16, 2022

Canada’s decision to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, effective October 2024, mirrors similar actions by the United States and reflects a growing resistance to China’s influence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that this move is necessary to protect Canadian industries from unfair competition driven by Chinese state subsidies. While these tariffs are aimed at levelling the playing field, they also spark concerns about affordability and the pace of EV adoption, crucial for addressing climate change.

Critics argue that while Chinese EVs are more accessible due to subsidies, relying on them undermines efforts to maintain labor and environmental standards. Moreover, China’s environmental contradictions, such as the simultaneous expansion of coal-fired plants to support EV manufacturing, complicate the narrative of their green agenda. The irony of promoting EVs while increasing coal use further exposes the ethical inconsistencies in China’s policies.

Opinion: Here’s how Canada can square tariffs on Chinese EVs with the WTO

December 12, 2019

However, the implications of China’s actions extend far beyond the economic sphere. China’s efforts to exert influence in Western democracies, including allegations of interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, highlight the broader geopolitical stakes. These actions have raised concerns about China’s ambitions to undermine democratic institutions while expanding its economic reach. Canada’s tariffs on Chinese EVs are thus part of a broader strategy to resist China’s growing influence.

The New York Times: Canada Will Impose 100% Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

Animated!

The West’s response to China’s might in the EV sector should focus on reinvigorating its own innovation and manufacturing capabilities. To preserve the principles of a free and democratic society, the West must rise to meet the challenge posed by China’s dominance. This means investing in domestic industries, enforcing trade policies that demand respect for environmental and labor standards, and fostering innovation that ensures the West can compete in the global EV market without compromising its values.

While resisting China’s influence might seem like a losing battle in the long run, it is crucial for the preservation of democratic principles and the promotion of a fair, competitive global market. If humanity is to delay the spread of authoritarianism, the West must assert its strength, innovate aggressively, and ensure that the transition to a greener future does not come at the cost of the freedoms and standards that define its societies. The imposition of tariffs on Chinese EVs is not just about economics; it’s a stand against a broader geopolitical challenge that the West cannot afford to ignore. (AI)